Trichloroethylene
Ethylene Trichloride
- CAS
- 79-01-6
- EC
- 201-167-4
- Sectors
- Lubricants & Metalworking, Textiles, Leather & Paper, Electronics & Solar PV
Trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6) is a clear, colorless, volatile chlorinated solvent that dissolves oils, greases and waxes, and is used for industrial vapor degreasing, cold cleaning of metal parts, textile dry cleaning, electronics circuit cleaning and as a chemical intermediate. This Technical Grade chlorinated solvent has a density of 1.46 g/cm³, a boiling point of 87.2°C, a sweet chloroform-like odor, and is nonflammable with no open-cup flash point.
Its outstanding dissolving power for oils, greases, and waxes makes it a standard choice for industrial vapor degreasing and cold cleaning of metal parts in the automotive and engineering sectors.
TCE also serves as an extraction solvent and chemical intermediate, notably in the production of the refrigerant HFC-134a. It is produced by chlorination of ethylene and, being highly volatile, is handled in closed systems under controlled conditions.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C2HCl3 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 131.39 g/mol |
| Form | Liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | Chloroform-like; ethereal. |
| Melting point | -84.7 °C |
| Boiling point | 87.2 °C |
| Density | 1.4642 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Water solubility | Slightly soluble. 0.11 g/100 mL |
| Flash point | 90°C |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Irritant / harmful, Health hazard, Environmental hazard |
| HS code | 29032200 |
| Grades available | Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Trichloroethylene
Applications
Primarily used as a solvent for metal degreasing in vapor degreasing systems; in dry cleaning for textiles; extraction solvent in food processing like decaffeination; intermediate in chemical synthesis for refrigerants and pesticides; in adhesives, paints, and coatings as carrier; in electronics for cleaning circuits.
Safety & Risks
Highly toxic, suspected carcinogen (IARC Group 1) causing liver/kidney damage and neurotoxicity; irritates eyes/skin/respiratory tract (Category 2), skin sensitizer (Category 1), mutagen (Category 2). Inhalation leads to dizziness or unconsciousness; flammable vapors possible though nonflammable.
Packaging
Typically packaged in 290kg steel drums or glass bottles for lab use; store in tightly closed containers in cool, ventilated areas away from light and incompatibles.